Bringing the timeless beauty of a traditional Japanese home into your own space is a wonderful way to create a serene and harmonious environment. Japanese interiors emphasize simplicity, natural materials, and functional design. By incorporating key traditional elements, you can transform your home into a peaceful retreat. Here’s how to decorate your home in a traditional Japanese style with the following interior items.
1. The Ohara Lantern
Japanese lanterns, like the Ohara, are essential for setting a warm and tranquil mood. Traditionally made from washi paper and bamboo, these lanterns emit a soft glow that enhances the relaxing atmosphere. You can place them in your living room or on your porch to create an inviting entrance.
2. Koinobori Flag Hatsu
Koinobori, or carp streamers, symbolize strength and perseverance in Japanese culture. While they are traditionally flown outdoors during Children’s Day, you can also use smaller versions indoors as decorative elements. Hanging them in a corner or near a window can add a colorful and meaningful touch to your home. Check out the collection in this store in Copenhagen, DK.
3. The Daruma Aruko
The Daruma doll is a symbol of perseverance and good fortune. Typically, it is painted red with wide, unfilled eyes—one of which you fill in when setting a goal and the other when achieving it. Placing a Daruma on a shelf or a tokonoma (a small decorative alcove) serves as a motivational and cultural piece.
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4. Japanese Glass Wind Bells (Fūrin)
These delicate glass wind bells, often decorated with intricate designs, produce a soothing sound when a breeze passes through them. Hanging a fūrin near a window or on a balcony creates an auditory reminder of nature’s presence, a key aspect of Japanese living.
5. Maneki Neko
The famous beckoning cat is a well-known symbol of prosperity and luck. You can place a Maneki Neko figurine near your entrance or on a shelf to invite positive energy and fortune into your home.
Feng Shui can harmonize the energy flow in your home interior. Read about the 5 elements to balance and make a room more comfortable.
6. Tatami Mats
Tatami mats are a fundamental part of a traditional Japanese home. Made of woven straw, these mats provide a comfortable and natural flooring option. Tatami mats help regulate indoor temperature, keeping the floor cool in summer and warm in winter. They absorb excess humidity and improve air quality, making them great for homes in humid climates.
These mats can be used in a dedicated tatami room (washitsu 和室), a meditation space, or even as a sleeping surface when paired with a futon.
7. Noren Door Curtain
Noren are fabric dividers used in doorways to provide privacy while maintaining airflow.
The original purpose of noren was to protect a house from wind, dust, and rain, as well as to keep a house warm on cold days. They also served as shades on hot summer days. A room can also be divided into two partitions by using them. Hanging a noren at your entrance or kitchen doorway adds an authentic touch to your home. They come in various colors and patterns, often featuring kanji characters or traditional motifs.
8. Zaisu Chair
A zaisu is a legless chair designed for comfortable sitting on the floor, often paired with a low chabudai table. These chairs provide back support while maintaining the traditional Japanese practice of floor seating. Sitting on the floor isn’t just cultural; it can be healthy, too. The design promotes better posture by naturally encouraging an upright sitting position. Perfect for tea ceremonies or casual dining, they encourage a relaxed and grounded lifestyle.
9. Tetsubin Tea Pot
Tetsubin are cast-iron teapots used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Tetsubin are traditionally heated over charcoal. Not only does it retain heat well, but it also adds a rustic, elegant charm to your kitchen. Using a Tetsubin for your tea ritual brings a sense of mindfulness and tradition to your daily routine.
10. Geta Sandals
Geta sandals are traditionally worn outdoors, so they're great sandals to wear when working in the garden. Made of wood with an elevated base, they promote good posture and circulation. Placing a pair at your entrance offers guests an authentic experience when they remove their shoes upon entering.
By creating a comfortable, inviting outdoor living space, you can transform your backyard into a relaxing and enjoyable oasis! Here's how!
11. Kokeshi
Kokeshi dolls are simple wooden Japanese dolls without arms or legs crafted for more than 150 years as toys for children. Carpenters created Traditional Kokeshi from eleven original families. These handcrafted wooden dolls bring a touch of elegance, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage to any space. They don’t take up much room, making them ideal for bookshelves, side tables, or display cabinets.
After originating in the Tohoku region, Kokeshi spread all over Japan, and some styles can be traced back to the hot springs of the mountains where they were first made and sold.
Do you already have a Kokeshi doll? Check its origin here!
To achieve a truly traditional Japanese aesthetic, focus on minimalism and nature-inspired elements. Keep spaces uncluttered, use earthy tones, and incorporate natural materials such as wood, paper, and stone. By thoughtfully arranging these cultural items, you can create a home that embodies the peaceful essence of Japan.
If you need more inspiration, discover 5 Steps to Tranquility, Elegance, and Timeless Beauty!
Cake is a lifestyle brand offering unique homewares and accessories that celebrate culture and individuality. Founder Laurine Brugman designs products that withstand trends and fads - creating timeless pieces that you’ll treasure forever.
We’re passionate about preserving traditional crafts and passing on a little bit of love with our hand-made items. All of our items are produced in limited runs to eliminate waste and ensure quality.
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